This metric is based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Guidelines. It covers one of the reporting requirements of Indicator G4-EN10 – 'Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused'. This metric is for recording the total volume of water recycled and reused as a percentage of the total water withdrawal reported under Indicator G4-EN8 .

​This Indicator measures both water that was treated prior to reuse and water that was not treated prior to reuse. Grey water (that is, collected rainwater and wastewater generated by household processes such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing) is included.

The rate of water reuse and recycling is a measure of efficiency and demonstrates the success of the organization in reducing total water withdrawals and discharges. Increased reuse and recycling may result in a reduction of water consumption, treatment, and disposal costs. The reduction of water consumption over time through reuse and recycling may also contribute to local, national, or regional goals for managing water supplies.

Methodology

This metric is looking for the percentage of the water used by the company was recycled or reusedin cubic metres:

For WikiRate researchers:

Companies who align reports to GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Standards often include a GRI Content Index or Annex where GRI disclosures, with GRI codes, are listed.

Use the GRI Index, CTRL F, Command F or search button on source window to search for this index and metrics within the report

Use G4 codes, G3 codes or keywords to quickly find values, keeping in mind that some companies report on the metric using different terms, e.g. G4-EN10 or EN10, water recycled or water reused

Always check the metric question and methodology for the unit of measure or currency - researchers may need to carry out calculations or conversions before entering the final metric value

Add comments documenting exactly where within the source you found the information (page number) and include details of simple or complex calculations or conversions made to determine the metric value

If you are unable to locate a metric value in a source you can search for additional sources where the data is available and add a new source

Further guidance on how to research values for GRI-based metrics is available here, including detailed guidance on adding, editing and Checking metric values.

Identify if water or flow meters do not exist and estimation by modeling is required.

For example, if the organization has a production cycle that requires 20 cubic meters of water per cycle, the organization withdraws 20 cubic meters of water for one production process cycle and then reuses it for an additional three cycles. The total volume of water recycled and reused for that process is 60 cubic meters.

Then convert this volume to a percentage of the total water withdrawal reported.

Reporting on this Indicator should include the following contextual information as a comment to the metric value:

G4-EN10-c: standards, methodologies, and assumptions used.

Note: Due to the way this is calculated, where water can be re-used multiple times, it is possible for a company’s recycling rate to be recycle greater than 100%, and at least one company has reported such a rate.